The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

by Kate Danley

ONE ACT - Society tells us to cast off our fear and follow our dreams. It tells us that the ability to change our fate lies in our own hands. But what if you're really bad at the thing you love? A wry tragedy of one man who should never have quit his day job.

ONE ACT - Society tells us to cast off our fear and follow our dreams. It tells us that the ability to change our fate lies in our own hands. But what if you're really bad at the thing you love? A wry tragedy of one man who should never have quit his day job.

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The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

Recommended by

  • Maripat Allen: The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

    George is certain he can "manifest" his dreams by "following his bliss." Too bad reality gets in the way. A hilarious, pointed comedy that indicts pop psychology that tells us just what we want to hear.

    George is certain he can "manifest" his dreams by "following his bliss." Too bad reality gets in the way. A hilarious, pointed comedy that indicts pop psychology that tells us just what we want to hear.

  • Daniel Prillaman: The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

    Gonzo. Just absolutely outrageous. It’s rare to read a play that will make you laugh this hard before punching you right in the gut. Danley’s protagonist is having the mid-life crisis of the century. The satire here bites hard, skewering white male fragility, toxic positivity, unwarranted confidence, all the while striking the perfect balance of hilarious and cringe. Give Nathan Fielder another decade and change, I could see him here. Although I suppose George would insist upon playing himself.

    Gonzo. Just absolutely outrageous. It’s rare to read a play that will make you laugh this hard before punching you right in the gut. Danley’s protagonist is having the mid-life crisis of the century. The satire here bites hard, skewering white male fragility, toxic positivity, unwarranted confidence, all the while striking the perfect balance of hilarious and cringe. Give Nathan Fielder another decade and change, I could see him here. Although I suppose George would insist upon playing himself.

  • Marcia Eppich-Harris: The Grand Delusion - A Modern Tragedy of Reality

    George is the ultimate expression of the Dunning Kruger effect. His relentless belief in himself and his talent is driven by the "believe in yourself" pop psychology prevalent in our era. At once hilarious and sad, The Grand Delusion makes you question your life choices in a way that George never does. Doubt, it turns out, is proof that you're on the right track. I absolutely loved this play, and I'd love to see it on stage! Well done!

    George is the ultimate expression of the Dunning Kruger effect. His relentless belief in himself and his talent is driven by the "believe in yourself" pop psychology prevalent in our era. At once hilarious and sad, The Grand Delusion makes you question your life choices in a way that George never does. Doubt, it turns out, is proof that you're on the right track. I absolutely loved this play, and I'd love to see it on stage! Well done!

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

George and Sarah should be played individually. All other roles can be double cast.
  • George
    A boring man who dreams of greatness
  • Sarah
    George's long suffering wife
  • BOSS / BRENT / PARTNER
    Charismatic and everything George wants to be.
  • VOICE / MADISON / JANE
    Soothing voiceover voice. A reminder to George of everything he is not.

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Director's Cut Theatre Company, Write to Right at the Southwark Playhouse, Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Fringe, Organization Barons Court Theatre Reboot Festival, Year 2024